Wilson supports Air Force delay of procurement changes

ALBUQUERQUE — Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., said Friday a delay in Air Force plans to consolidate procurement operations is a good thing for small businesses in New Mexico.

Wilson’s comments came during a public meeting she organized so the Air Force could brief New Mexico business leaders about its plans.

The Air Force recently announced a move to consolidate contracting operations in five locations throughout the country. Under those plans, New Mexico bases and the businesses that work with those bases would be serviced by a contracting facility in San Antonio, the release said.

The Air Force planned to start the reorganization with a pilot project in the Southwest that was to have started this month.

The Air Force specified in Friday’s briefing that the next 18 to 24 months will consist of only internal transition planning.

Wilson spoke to the Secretary of the Air Force last fall to express concerns about the impact of the procurement changes on New Mexico businesses, according to Wilson’s communication director, Enrique Knell. Following that meeting, the AFMC decided to delay the pilot project, he said.

Wilson said she’ll make sure future meetings are scheduled in Clovis and Alamogordo.